3 Tips for Children to Beat the fear of the Dentist

People have irrational fears about many things – fearing the dark, heights or confined spaces, but a common one that is shared through the generations and across the globe is being scared of a visit to the dentist.

Unfortunately, our culture has spread the view that a trip to the dental clinic equals pain. Cartoons, comics, movies and TV shows all support this idea with the white-coated dentist brandishing drills and syringes, so it’s no wonder that children are often fearful about dental treatment.

As parents or caregivers, it’s crucially important that you foster a positive attitude about visits to the dentist to benefit your child. Think of it as a gift that you are giving them – an opportunity to protect their smile and future health.

1. Keep your fears to yourself

Children take their cues from their parents, and even from a very young age they can pick up how their parents are feeling. Chances are high that if you are anxious about a visit to the dentist, your child will be too. Your child can read you like an open book, so be mindful about how your words and reactions will influence your child, especially when you are having dental treatment too.

The good news is that dental care has progressed enormously over the years and advances in technology ensure that diagnostic and treatment procedures are painless, and any issues that do occur are detected at an early stage. Dental health care is very different now in comparison to when you were a child!

2. Take your child to your appointments

Children have wonderful imaginations, and while this is a charming feature of childhood, the downside is that often their imagination runs away from them – the box under the bed becomes a monster, the wind in the trees a howling banshee. If your child comes with you to your routine dental clinic appointments from a young age, they will see that there is nothing to fear. You are normalising the environment and they will become quite relaxed in the dental clinic environment.

3. Keep it simple

When your child is scared of the dentist, your natural urge will be to talk them round to distract and reassure them. However, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t need to give your child too much information, your dentist is experienced in answering children’s questions in a manner that is suitable for their age. Plus, it helps your child to build trust and rapport with their dentist.

Duxton Dental run a family friendly dental clinic in Christchurch. We are Riccarton dentists who have a wealth of experience helping young people get comfortable visiting their dentist. The benefits of routine dental check ups will stay with your child throughout their life, which is why we are so passionate about supporting you to help your child overcome their fears.

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Straight talk: how Invisalign aligns more than just your teeth

By Briar Crammock-Sands • March 30, 2025

Tired of your crooked teeth? Desperate to be able to smile with confidence? When it comes to straightening your teeth, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the aesthetic impact of cosmetic dental treatment . And with good reason: orthodontic braces can transform even the most challenging set of teeth into a Hollywood-worthy smile. With dental care innovations skyrocketing over the past decade, Invisalign is the comparatively new kid on the orthodontic block – delivering the same results as traditional braces but with near invisibility, supreme convenience and incomparable comfort. But Invisalign offers much more than just a cosmetic dentistry upgrade and welcome boost to your self-esteem and confidence. As one of the leading options for teeth alignment, Invisalign transforms not only the appearance of your teeth but also improves your overall dental health. Whether you’re looking for a discreet solution for teeth straightening or seeking better dental care, Invisalign treatment provides several benefits that go beyond aesthetics. At Duxton Dental clinic in Christchurch, quality Invisalign treatment is tailored to your individual and unique needs to give you that perfect smile but also the health benefits of Invisalign: Improved oral hygiene and health A major benefit of Invisalign treatment is its ability to enhance your oral hygiene routine. The wires and brackets of traditional orthodontic braces can make brushing and flossing a challenging task, which can result in poor oral hygiene during the teeth straightening process. However, with Invisalign, the removable aligners allow you to brush and floss your teeth without any obstructions. During the Invisalign process, you’ll notice how straighter teeth make it easier to clean your entire mouth thoroughly. This ease of cleaning maintains overall dental health by ensuring plaque and food particles don’t get trapped around teeth, decreasing the risk of cavities and gum disease and promoting healthier gums and teeth.